Acne has "an underlying hormonal basis," and many women notice breakouts that follow their monthly cycle. [1] Soy isoflavones are plant compounds with a structure similar to the hormone estrogen. [2] In a placebo-controlled trial, women with acne who took soy isoflavones had fewer spots and lower DHT. [3][4] ClearDerm with Probiotics includes soy isoflavones, alongside chasteberry, zinc and 19 other ingredients, to help promote clear skin. [5] Here is what the research shows.
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From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Hormones are part of the acne picture. In a survey of 400 women with acne, 44% reported flares before their period. [1]
- Soy isoflavones may act on androgen enzymes. The trial authors say they can block enzymes the body uses to make androgens, including the one that makes DHT. [3]
- In a 12-week trial, spots and DHT fell. Forty women took 160 mg of soy isoflavones a day or a placebo; spot counts and DHT were lower on soy after treatment. [3][4]
- ClearDerm pairs it with chasteberry. Both are plant ingredients linked to hormones. [5]
- ClearDerm provides 20 mg of soy extract with 40% isoflavones [5], alongside chasteberry and 20 other ingredients.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient and form | Soy isoflavones (from soy bean extract), 40% isoflavones [5] |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 20 mg a day of extract, in 2 capsules: about 8 mg of isoflavones (calculated from the label) [5] |
| Amount in the main acne trial | 160 mg of isoflavones a day, for 12 weeks [3] |
| Kinds of evidence | Two placebo-controlled acne studies from one research group, and safety reviews [3][6][2][7] |
| Studied in | Women [4][6] |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What are soy isoflavones?
Soy is a legume long grown in Asia. Foods include tofu, miso, tempeh, edamame and soy milk. [2]
Isoflavones are compounds in soy "similar in structure to the hormone estrogen." Supplements contain them as concentrated extracts. [2]
How are hormones linked to acne?
Androgens are hormones found in both women and men. One of them, DHT, is made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. In the main soy trial, DHT was measured alongside spot counts. [3]
Hormones also change across the monthly cycle. In a survey of 400 women with acne, 44% reported flares before their period. [1]
ClearDerm includes two plant ingredients linked to hormones: soy isoflavones and chasteberry. [5]
How may soy isoflavones help?
The authors of the main acne trial explain that soy isoflavones can block three enzymes used to make androgens: [3]
- 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DHT. [3]
- 3-beta and 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, two other enzymes involved in making androgens. [3]
The trial did not test these enzymes directly; it measured DHT in the blood. The fall in DHT was linked to the fall in spots: the more DHT dropped, the more spots dropped. [3] The research is still growing on how this works in the skin itself.
What the studies show
A placebo-controlled trial in 40 women (2015)
Forty adult women with acne were randomly assigned to 160 mg of soy isoflavones a day or a placebo for 12 weeks. Neither the women nor the researchers knew who took which. [3][4]
Before treatment, spot counts and DHT levels were not significantly different between the groups. After 12 weeks, both were lower in the soy group than in the placebo group. [3]
The authors concluded that 160 mg a day "can reduce total" acne lesions "as a result of decreased DHT level." [3] A dermatology commentary called the sample "relatively small" and said a larger study is warranted. [4]
A small dose study (2015)
The same research group gave 25 women 40, 80, 120 or 160 mg of isoflavones a day, or a placebo, for 4 weeks. That is about 5 women per group. [6]
Spot counts fell significantly in the 160 mg group. The 40, 80 and 120 mg groups did not differ significantly from before treatment. [6]
Study summary
| Study | What was taken | People and length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyanto 2015 [3] | Soy isoflavones, 160 mg | 40 women; 12 weeks; vs placebo | Fewer spots and lower DHT than placebo |
| Riyanto and Subchan 2015 [6] | Soy isoflavones, 40–160 mg | 25 women; 4 weeks; vs placebo | Spots fell at 160 mg; no significant change at 40–120 mg |
Soy isoflavones and chasteberry
ClearDerm includes two plant ingredients linked to hormones. In a trial in 52 women with a hidden high-prolactin condition, chasteberry lowered prolactin release. [8] Soy isoflavones may act on the enzymes that make androgens. [3]
Our article on chasteberry explains the cycle research.
How much soy is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 20 mg of soy bean extract with 40% isoflavones, about 8 mg of isoflavones. [5]
Soy foods also provide isoflavones, so the amount you get each day depends on your diet too. [2]
Are soy isoflavones safe?
Concentrated isoflavone extracts have been used safely for up to 6 months, according to the NIH. [2]
- Side effects. Soy supplements can cause bloating, constipation, diarrhea and nausea. [2]
- Breast, uterus and thyroid. In 2015, EFSA found the evidence did not suggest harmful effects on these organs in post-menopausal women, at typical supplement doses for 3 months to under a year. [7]
- What EFSA could not judge. It looked at women around and after menopause, not younger women. It had no data for women with a personal or family history of cancer, and men were outside its review. [7]
- Men. There are no acne or safety studies of soy supplements in men in these reviews. Men should ask a doctor before taking it. [7][4]
- Pregnancy. Soy may be unsafe during pregnancy in amounts greater than those in foods. [2]
- Medicines. Soy foods high in tyramine, such as tofu and soy sauce, can interact with MAOIs, a type of antidepressant. [2]
Soy isoflavones are one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection. [5]
Soy isoflavones and chasteberry are the plant ingredients linked to hormones. Zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A support the skin, and the probiotic blend supports the gut–skin connection. [5]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total. [5]
Soy isoflavones also come from foods such as tofu, tempeh, edamame and soy milk. [2] A few points help you use ClearDerm well: take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say; [5] men, and anyone unsure, should ask a doctor before starting; [7] and if you are pregnant or nursing, have a personal or family history of cancer, or take an MAOI or any other medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start. [5][7][2]
22 ingredients, including soy isoflavones and chasteberry
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs soy isoflavones with chasteberry, zinc, and other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
Acne has a hormonal basis, and many women break out before their period. [1] In a placebo-controlled trial, 160 mg of soy isoflavones lowered spots and DHT. [3] A smaller study found no significant effect at lower amounts. [6] ClearDerm includes soy isoflavones with chasteberry and 20 other ingredients chosen to promote clear skin. [5]
The short version
Soy isoflavones may act on the enzymes that make DHT. [3] ClearDerm includes them, with chasteberry and other ingredients, to help promote clear skin.
Frequently asked questions
Do soy isoflavones help acne?
How do soy isoflavones work?
The trial authors say they can block enzymes the body uses to make androgens, including 5-alpha reductase, which makes DHT. [3]
Are soy isoflavones like estrogen?
They have a structure similar to estrogen. [2]
Are soy isoflavone supplements safe?
Can men take soy isoflavones?
How much soy is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 20 mg of soy extract with 40% isoflavones, about 8 mg of isoflavones. [5]
References
- Stoll S, Shalita AR, Webster GF, Kaplan R, Danesh S, Penstein A. The effect of the menstrual cycle on acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(6):957-960. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.117382. PMID: 11712049.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Soy. Last updated April 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/soy (accessed October 12, 2026).
- Riyanto P, Subchan P, Lelyana R. Advantage of soybean isoflavone as antiandrogen on acne vulgaris. Dermatoendocrinol. 2015;7(1):e1063751. doi:10.1080/19381980.2015.1063751. PMID: 26413190.
- Friedman AJ. Acne: potential new target—soy isoflavones. Cutis. 2015 (MDedge Dermatology commentary). https://mdedge.com/content/acne-potential-new-target-soy-isoflavones (accessed October 12, 2026).
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 12, 2026).
- Riyanto P, Subchan P. Effect of soy isoflavones on acne vulgaris. J Pak Assoc Dermatol. 2015;25(1):30-34 (published online 2016). https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/126 (accessed October 12, 2026).
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). Risk assessment for peri- and post-menopausal women taking food supplements containing isolated isoflavones. EFSA Journal. 2015. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4246. News release October 21, 2015: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/151021 (accessed October 12, 2026).
- Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H, Sienkiewicz K, Jedrzejak J, Teucher T, et al. Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia: results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study [in German]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1993;43(7):752-756. PMID: 8369008.
